[Perioperative complications of 1396 patients with cochlear implantation]

To discuss the perioperative complications of 1396 cases (1402 ears) with cochlear implantation (CI), and to supply clinical experience for risk reduction in the perioperative period.

All patients were profound sensorineural deafness, with 1379 prelingual cases and 17 postlingual cases. (1) Preoperative examinations: audiology,imaging studies, evaluation of physical and intellectual development. (2) Perioperative complications.

(1) Perioperative complications: transitory postoperative facial palsy in 4 cases; external auditory canal and membrana tympani injury in 14 cases; gusher in 91 cases; cerebral dura mater injury in 2 cases; problems of electrodes in 31 cases including 2 of electrodes inserted into inner auditory canal and 1 into scala vestibuli, 28 of electrodes squire in the cochlea; transient vertigo in 231 cases; scalp hematoma in 39 cases. (2) Systematic postoperative complications: fever ( >38 degrees C) in 21 cases; acute gastritis in 27 cases; bronchitis and pneumonia in 5 cases; laryngotracheitis in 9 cases. (3) Other complications: artificial cochlear exchange due to computer trouble during operation.

(1) CI is a relatively safe surgical procedure, but risks still persist during perioperative period including postoperative meningitis, facial nerve and chorda tympani nerve injury,and so on. (2) To ensure successful operation, perioperative managements should be standardized.